Man charged after major explosives haul
A 43-year-old man has been remanded in custody charged in connection with a major explosives haul found on a farm in the North.
Barry Francis Petticrew was arrested last Wednesday when police investigating suspected dissident republican activity uncovered the weapons in farm buildings in rural Co Fermanagh near the border.
Petticrew, from Drumbroghas, Swanlinbar just across the border in Co Cavan, spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood the charges against him during the brief hearing at Enniskillen Magistrates Court.
He is charged with possession of explosives and ammunition with intent to endanger life and also of possession of articles likely to be of use to terrorists.
District Judge Nigel Broderick remanded him in custody for four weeks. The defendant did not apply for bail.
Police have said items seized during last week's raid of the farm near the village of Kinawley included about 500kg of fertiliser and a number of packs of home-made explosives; timer units, detonators and fuses; six pipe bombs and component parts for other devices; a suspected firearm and about 100 rounds of ammunition; and forensic suits and gloves.
The suspected arms and bomb making equipment was recovered during a four-day operation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) on the farm on the Caldragh Road, Tully near Kinawley.
Wearing a navy jumper, bespectacled Petticrew smiled briefly toward the public gallery of the court as he was brought into the dock this afternoon.
Asked to confirm his name and if he understood the charges facing him, Petticrew replied: "Yes."
When asked by a prosecution lawyer, an investigating police officer told the court he could connect the accused to the charges.
Solicitor Peter Corrigan, representing Petticrew, said he had no questions for the officer and said his client did not wish to apply for bail at today's appearance.
Remanding him into custody, Judge Broderick ordered him to appear again on November 10.
Armed police stopped traffic in Enniskillen town centre to allow the custody van carrying the accused to leave the court building.
